Quality Roofing at a Price You Can Afford
24 Apr

Starting With the Basics: What to Know About Your Roof

Security from harsh weather and aesthetic appeal for your home – these are the two main functions of the roof. Still, it’s common for many homeowners to conduct projects to make their roofing systems better and provide their homes with more reliable protection.

Like any other home improvement project, you need to know the basics; otherwise, you’re jumping into uncharted waters. Thompson Roofing and Construction, the top roofing contractor in the area, explains the roofing essentials about which every homeowner should know:

The Components of a Roof

A standard roof has five components:

  • Structure: The main framework of your roof includes the trusses and individual rafters. The trusses are custom-built, triangular structures to provide the structure of your roof.

  • Sheathing: These large sheets of plywood or oriented strand board (OSB) serve as the underlying surface or deck attached to the roof structure.

  • Flashing: These serve as cover for the joints or anything that juts out (air vents and chimneys) in your roof. Flashing helps prevent leaks.

  • Shingles: These serve as the roof’s main covering. Shingles come in a wide range of options for every roofing style, such as asphalt, metal and tile.

  • Drainage: Downspouts, eavestroughs and gutters are the main components of a roof’s drainage system. Proper drainage prevents leaks and keeps the water from building up.

Installing a Roof

A roofing project is something you can’t DIY, but this doesn’t mean you have to be ignorant of the process of installing a roof. When planning a roof project, consider the following:

  • Type of roofing

  • Materials to be used

  • Architectural style of your home

  • Persons to hire for the project

Thorough planning is essential to ensure a successful roof installation. If you ignore the basics, you’re likely going to encounter problems with your projects.

When it comes to roof repair and replacement, Thompson Roofing and Construction can assist with your needs and guide you through the basics of roofing projects. Call us at (256) 251-5566 for more information about our services. We serve Huntsville, AL, and nearby areas.